The Writing Program offers a Writing Minor that serves students who wish to both study and practice writing. This minor provides education in the conventions and theories of rhetoric, composition, and professional writing; intensive training in professional and academic writing studies; and practical experience in writing, revising, and editing relevant to a wide variety of professions. This is an advantageous course of study for those who are planning careers as professional writers or editors as well as those whose academic and professional careers will demand proficient writing skills. Courses in the minor will teach students about the various forms of writing they are likely to encounter, provide opportunities to experiment with their writing processes, and teach how to modify writing styles for different audiences and settings.
The Writing Minor offers the following benefits:
Skills for the Professional World: There is a growing demand for effective written communication in the professional world, as this skill is becoming increasingly rare. The abilities to discern the nuances and tone in written material; to communicate intelligently, articulately, and concisely; and to complete written projects in an innovative and organized manner are skills deeply valued and needed in today’s global marketplace. Rutgers graduates with a Writing Minor on their transcripts will appeal to many potential employers, including those in the corporate, government, and non-profit sectors. As a capstone, students will submit a professional portfolio, a culminating project that graduates can use to market themselves in the workforce.
Preparation for Graduate or Professional School: Students entering graduate programs that emphasize writing and critical reading will distinguish themselves with a Writing Minor, as will students entering other academic postgraduate or professional programs. Our courses will train students to think critically and communicate effectively, vital skills in any academic field. The minor will prepare students for writing-based graduate degree programs in fields such as technical and professional writing or communication, and rhetoric and composition, and it will also benefit students pursuing graduate degrees in writing-intensive fields, such as education, law, linguistics, business, advertising, public relations, marketing, media studies, communication studies, and public policy.
Intensive Training for Writers: The sustained writing practice provided by the minor will enable students who are passionate about writing and interested in pursuing writing careers to hone their crafts and develop their unique voices. Students will gain the opportunity to experiment with writing in a wide variety of contexts and will learn to tailor their skills to specific professions and audiences. Since the Writing Program is as focused on reading as it is on writing, students who minor in writing will learn to read as writers, paying close attention to mechanics, language, and structure of written work. The program will also train students to reflect on their own writing processes in order to encourage their development as writers; the consistent self-evaluations and the portfolio will prepare students to enter the professional world.